Nigeria has fallen to 44th position in the most recent FIFA rankings.

In the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, Nigeria has experienced a significant drop, falling from 36th to 44th place globally. This eight-position decline is a stark reflection of the team’s recent performances, which have not met expectations. Currently, Nigeria holds 1482.23 points, a decrease from their previous total of 1503.

Within the African football landscape, Nigeria now finds itself in fifth place, trailing behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria. This shift is largely attributed to disappointing outcomes during the recent FIFA international window. The Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda and could only manage a 1-1 draw against Benin in the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

On the global front, Argentina continues to lead the rankings, followed by France and Spain in second and third place, respectively. England and Brazil complete the top five.

The current rankings come amidst a busy international football calendar, featuring qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, AFCON 2025 matches, and fixtures in the Nations League.

In contrast, Niger has made notable strides, climbing nine places to 122nd globally with an increase of 31.23 points.

As the football community awaits the next update on December 12, 2024, Nigeria’s recent decline serves as a critical reminder of the need for strategic improvements within the national team.